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Notebook: Northern celebrates senior day against C of I n From Page 11
ing into the final day of the season include, EOU’s Zach Bartlow, who leads the league in total offense, while SOU’s Jack Singler leads the Frontier in passing at 297 yards per outing. Montana Tech QB Quinn McQueary leads the conference in touchdowns with 29 on the year, while SOU’s Matt Retzlaff has 65 catches, and Carroll WR Connor Fohn averages 99 yards receiving per game. Defensively, Montana Tech’s Luke Benz has 8.5 sacks, while Carroll’s Alec Basterrechea has 13 tackles for loss. Northern star senior Tyler Craig has four sacks and nine TFL’s as he prepares for his senior day game Saturday. Tech’s Gunnar Kayser is way in front with six interceptions this season, while Northern’s Logan Sprouse has three. C of I’s
Nate Moore has the most total tackles with 106, while EOU’s Stanley Tucker leads the way at 10.6 per game. Saying Goodbye Saturday at Blue Pony Stadium will be a special one for the Lights, who have 15 seniors listed on their roster. And interestingly, the majority of the Lights who will see their final action at Northern Saturday, have been around longer than College of Idaho has had football – at least in the modern era. The Yotes are in just their third season of Frontier football, after bringing back a program that dormant for nearly 40 years. And they’re making their second straight trip to
Havre. C of I beat the Lights 48-17 at Blue Pony Stadium last year, and also beat Northern in their inaugural meeting in Caldwell, Idaho in 2014. The Lights are scheduled to travel to Caldwell for the only meeting between the two teams in 2016. And while Saturday will be an emotional day for the Lights, who will be honoring a truly special senior class, a win against the Yotes is what MSU-N will be focused on. “Senior day is special,” McKinley said. “It’s kind of like the finish line. Everything you’ve worked for and done, you do it to get over the finish line. But, the big thing that would make it special is to get one last win. That’s how we want to end that day. And we’re going to do whatever we can to make sure that happens.”
Frontier Honors Montana Tech quarterback Quinn McQueary was named Frontier Offensive Player of the Week. Against C of I, McQueary threw for 294 yards and four touchdowns. He rushed for 83 yards on 11 carries. Western senior safety Skylar Roope was named Defensive Player of the Week. Roope recorded seven solo tackles, one tackle for loss (-3-yds) and one fumble recovery and return for touchdown in a win over Carroll College. SOU running back Rey Vega was named Special Teams Player of the Week. In a win over Northern, Vega returned a kickoff 93 yards for a TD.
Havre Daily News/Colin Thompson Montana State University-Northern defensive end Tyler Craig, right, will play his final game of a brilliant Lights' career when the Lights host College of Idaho Saturday afternoon at Blue Pony Stadium. Craig has had another productive season for the Lights, registering four sacks and nine tackles for loss.
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Underrated, not underappreciated EOU one win from the playoffs
MSU-Northern senior Mario Gobbato has been a huge asset to Northern football the last four years Chris Peterson Havre Daily News sports writer gferguson@havredailynews.com
In college football, at any level, the last game of the season is always significant. And it has nothing to do with playoff berths or the final standings. It has to do with college football players, playing their final game, doing something they have done their whole lives — one final time. This Saturday, at Blue Pony Stadium, that will be the case for senior wide receiver/running back Mario Gobbato as the Lights get
George Ferguson Havre Daily News sports editor gferguson@havredailynews.com
set to take on the College of Idaho in the final game of the regular season. “It’s a bit surreal to think about,” Gobbato said. “I haven’t really thought about it that much because it’s a game that we want to win. It’s going to be the last one and we want to make sure that we go out on a high note.” Gobbato came to Northern as a running back and throughout his career with the Lights, he has proven to be a good one. As a freshman in 2013, Gobbato averaged 4.9 yards per carry as he gained 166 yards on 34 attempts. “I remember when he scored on his first carry,” Running Back Zach McKinley said.
n
The Montana Tech Orediggers are officially Frontier Conference champions. But, Tech is far from done. Tech, after beating College of Idaho last Saturday, has a huge road showdown with Southern Oregon this Saturday, and a win would clinch the league championship outright. That’s something that will certainly motivate the ‘Diggers this weekend, even though, they’ve already laid claim to the Frontier’s automatic bid into the postseason. And the postseason is now what hangs in the balance for not only Tech, but also Eastern Oregon. Winners of five straight games, the Mounties have put themselves in a position to make the NAIA playoffs. They nearly lost that chance last Saturday, but hung on to beat Rocky Mountain College 19-16.
See Gobbato Page 6
Havre Daily News/Colin Thompson Montana State University-Northern senior Mario Gobbato runs over Rocky Mountain C o l l e g e t a c k l e r s d u r i n g a F ro n t i e r Conference game in August. Gobbato has been the consummate team player in his time at Northern.
MSU-Northern Lights vs College of Idaho Yotes Montana State University-Northern Location: Havre, Mont. Nickname: Lights Colors: Maroon and Yellow 2016 record: 1-8 (1-8)
2015 record: 0-11 (0-10) Head coach: Aaron Christensen Stadium: Blue Pony Stadium Streak: Lights have fallen six straight times since beating Carroll on Sept. 17 at Blue Pony Stadium.
Saturday, November 12, 2016 Blue Pony Stadium ~ 12 p.m. College of Idaho Location: Caldwell, Idaho
2015 record: 4-6 (4-7) Head coach: Mike Moroski Stadium: Simplot Stadium
Now, EOU can do something it hasn’t done since joining the Frontier Conference a little over a decade ago – make the playoffs. In 2013 and 2014 EOU was on the verge, but lost three games in each of those seasons to just miss the playoffs. The Mounties were the last team on the outside looking in 2014. But, with a road win at Carroll College, EOU can change all of that. Their national ranking is well inside the Top 15, they will have won six straight games and finished at 8-2 and alone in second place in the Frontier. In other words, a win at Carroll’s Nelson Stadium Saturday, and EOU is in. And not only can EOU make the playoffs with a win Saturday,
2016 record: 3-7 (2-7)
Streak: Since joining the Frontier Conference, the Yotes are a perfect 3-0 against the Lights.
Stats Winners The final weekend of the regular season has arrived, and for many, this week will also determine who finishes on top in individual Frontier statistics. For Montana State University-Northern running back Zach
Today in the Frontier Conference College of Idaho Yotes (2-7, 3-7)
At Montana State University-Northern Lights (1-8, 1-8) No. 7 Montana Tech (8-1, 8-1) at No. 9 Southern Oregon (3-1, 3-2) in Ashland, Ore.
Nickname: Yotes Colors: Purple and Gold
the Mounties still have a chance to be called conference champions. EOU will be cheering hard for its biggest rival, Southern Oregon, to beat Montana Tech Saturday in Ashland, Oregon. If the Raiders pull off the upset against the Orediggers, and EOU beats Carroll, the Mounties will be Frontier Co-Champions, which would be another first in program history.
No. 22 UM-Western (5-4, 6-4) at Rocky Mountain College (4-5, 4-6) in Billings, Mont.
No. 9 Eastern Oregon (7-2, 7-2) at Carroll College (4-5, 4-5) in Helena, Mont.
NAIA Playoffs announced Sunday at www.naia.org
2016 Frontier Conference Coaches Preseason Poll
1. Southern Oregon 2. Montana Tech 3. Carroll College 4. Eastern Oregon 5. College of Idaho 6. UM-Western 7. Rocky Mountain College 8.MSU-Northern McKinley, his senior day against College of Idaho will be his last chance to chase down Montana Tech’s Nolan Saraceni for the rushing title. A rough last game at SOU last Saturday left McKinley well behind Saraceni, who is averaging 132 yards per game now, and has his third straight 1,000-yard season. McKinley meanwhile, is averag-
Havre Daily News Week Final Frontier Power Rankings
1. Montana Tech 2. Eastern Oregon 3. UM-Western 4. Southern Oregon 5. Carroll College 6. College of Idaho 7. Rocky Mountain College 8. Carroll College ing 103 yards per game, and needs a huge game against the Yotes to get his fourth straight 1,000-yard season. McKinley currently has 836 yards this season, and, against a young Yotes’ defense, rushing for 160 yards isn’t out of the question. Other offensive leaders head-
n
See Notebook Page 12
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MSU-Northern Rewind
A class defined by its character Northern seniors exemplify commitment, unselfishness and class, even in the face of so much adversity
From the Fringe...
George Ferguson Sports Editor
Senior day for any college football team is special. It’s a time to stand up in front of family, friends and teammates and be honored for hard work, dedication, unselfishness and all the accomplishments that come with being a football player. It’s a time to be honored for giving of one’s self for four, five and even six years. And all of that is true when it comes to the 15 Montana State UniversityNorthern seniors who will be honored before Saturday’s season finale against the College of Idaho at Blue Pony Stadium. And yet, this isn’t just any senior day, this one has so much more to it. These Lights, many of them, have endured perhaps the most trying times in Northern football history. These Lights, the one’s who will play their final collegiate game on Saturday, have went through more than they ever possibly thought they would when they signed a letter of intent to come to MSU-N out of high school, or for some, junior college. And much of what these Lights have gone through has been hard, difficult, frustrating and disappointing. Coaching changes, uncertainty, injuries, seeing teammates leave them, and of course, difficult losses that have piled up over the years. Yes, it’s safe to say, these Northern seniors have seen more tough days than good ones. And yet, here they all are. They’re still here. They are still, after all they’ve gone through, giving of themselves, sacrificing for the team, putting their bodies through hell and back, and still competing. Watching what these Northern seniors have gone through the last four seasons, I don’t think I could possibly have admired a group of football players, a group of young men more than I do this group. What they’ve stood for, what they continue to stand for, and what they’ve done for Northern football, it is been an honor and a privilege to watch them, to cover their games and to write stories about them. And every one of these seniors, to a man, stands for something that still makes college football so special, they stand for each other. They believe in, and are about the team, and most importantly, they all put the name on
Frontier Conference Standings
Montana Tech Eastern Oregon UM-Western Southern Oregon Carroll College Rocky Mountain College of Idaho MSU-Northern
Conf. WL 8-1 7-2 5-4 5-4 4-5 4-5 2-7 1-8
Overall WL 8-1 7-2 6-4 5-5 4-5 4-6 3-7 1-8
Saturday, Nov. 5 Southern Oregon 56, MSU-Northern 14 Montana Tech 42, College of Idaho 21 Eastern Oregon 19, Rocky Mountain 16 UM-Western 35, Carroll College 28 Saturday, Nov. 12 MSU-Northern vs College of Idaho Montana Tech at Southern Oregon UM-Western at Rocky Mountain Eastern Oregon at Carroll College
Havre Daily News/Colin Thompson Zach McKinley, left, and Caleb McLaren are two of the 15 Montana State University-Northern seniors who will be honored before Saturday's game against the College of Idaho. Kickoff is set for 12 p.m. at Blue Pony Stadium. the front of their jersey ahead of the name on the back of it. Honestly, that isn’t always the case in the world of collegiate athletics, but, listening to this group talk, it’s easy to see that they still embody that true team spirt. They embody the brotherhood that is college football. “That’s one of the best things about this whole experience,” senior defensive end Jordan Brusio said. “The bonds you form with your teammates. When you have those bonds, that support from your teammates, you feel like you can get through anything. “It’s a testament to all of our seniors that we’re here,” offensive lineman Pete Morales said. “We come to work hard every day and we play hard every game, and we do it together. We believe in each other. “That’s what I’m going to remember the most,” Tyler Craig added. “All the guys I’ve played with. All the seniors this year, we stuck this out together, and finished what we started together. Those guys are by best friends, and I’m proud we’re finishing our career together.” And Northern, Havre, your family, friends and anyone else associated with the Lights is proud of all of you too. Again, this Northern senior class embodies what it really means to be a college football. They embody playing
for something more important than themselves. And, they teach lessons too. They show younger generations what it means to honor a commitment to something. They show kids what it means to care about their teammates, and in football, they show players what it means to work hard, regardless of the payoff. College football is never easy. But, it’s been unusually hard on cruel on this group of MSU-N seniors. And that’s why, the fact that they will be standing at the center of the field inside Blue Pony Stadium on Saturday afternoon, for their final game, is something they should hold their heads high about. It’s something they should be proud of for the rest of their lives. I know, the fact that this senior group made it to senior day, that’s something I will always admire, and I’ll always remember what an honor and a privilege it was to be a small part of this group. So congratulations and thank you to Zach McKinley, Tyler Craig, Mario Gobbato, Jordan Brusio, Pete Morales, Garrett Jerricoff, Pat Barnett, Lane Urick, Dillon Barnes, Caleb McLaren, Diamond Pedro, Adolfo Robles, Austin Rychner, Logan Sprouse and Jamie Toscano. Saturday is your day. And you’ve all earned it.
NAIA Coaches Poll
Rec. Pts Prv.
1. Marian (Ind.) (15) 2. Baker (Kan.) 3. Reinhardt (Ga.) 4. Saint Francis (Ind.) 5. Morningside (Iowa) 6. Montana Tech 7. Doane (Neb.) 8. Lindsey Wilson (Ky.) 9. Eastern Oregon 10. Kansas Wesleyan 11. Grand View (Iowa) 12. Missouri Valley
9-0 10-0 10-0 9-1 8-1 8-1 8-1 10-1 7-2 9-1 8-2 8-2
340 327 306 299 293 277 255 251 237 219 203 198
13. Tabor (Kan.) 7-2 14. Southeastern (Fla.) 6-1 15. Sterling (Kan.) 7-2 15. Dickinson State (N.D.) 7-2 17. Georgetown (Ky.) 7-3 18. Dakota Wesleyan (S.D.)7-3 19. Robert Morris (Ill.) 6-3 20. William Penn (Iowa) 7-3 21. Concordia (Neb.) 6-3 22. Montana Western 6-4 23. Langston (Okla.) 6-2 24. Benedictine (Kan.) 6-4 25. Arizona Christian 6-3
1 2 3 4 5 7 8 10 11 12 6 9
191 172 150 150 132 118 95 91 71 62 44 37 25
13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 24 25 NR NR
Others receiving votes: : Warner (Fla.) 8; Bethel (Tenn.) 8; Wayland Baptist (Texas) 8; Southern Oregon 4; Midland (Neb.) 3.
Frontier Conference Individual Leaders Week Eleven
Passing: Jack Singler, EOU, 307 ypg Receiving: Connor Fohn, CC, 99 ypg Receptions: Matt Retzlaff, SOU, 9 cpg Rushing: Nolan Saraceni, MT, 138 ypg Tackles: Nate Moore, C of I, 104 Sacks: Luke Benz, MT, 8.5 sacks INT's: Gunnar Kayser, MT, 6 ints
Lights Coaching Staff
Jim Potter The 2015 Montana State University-Northern coaching staff. Back row, left to right: Cody O'Neil, offensive line; Ric Wells, defensive backs, Anvil Sinsibaugh, wide receivers and Darold DeBolt, defensive line. Front row, left to right, Jake Eldridge, defensive coordinator and strength and conditioning; Malcolm Manuel, running backs; Aaron Christensen, head coach and offensive coordinator; Arthur Smith, linebackers; and Jorge Magana, linebackers.
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MSU-Northern Offensive Starters
College of Idaho Defensive Starters
MSU-N 2016 Offensive Numbers
C of I 2016 Defensive Numbers
Scoring: 16 ppg, last in Frontier Total offense: 271 ypg, last in Frontier
Mario Gobbatto #22, 5-8, 185 Receiver
Tristen Alesi #32, 6-0, 185 Cornerback
Rushing: 104 ypg, last in Frontier
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MSU-Northern Defensive Starters
C of I 2016 Offensive Numbers
MSU-N 2016 Defensive Numbers
Scoring: 29 ppg, 5th in Frontier
Scoring: 41 ppg, last in Frontier
Total defense: 428 ypg, last in Frontier
Total defense: 425 ypg, 7th in Frontier
Rush defense: 172 ypg, last in Frontier
Rush defense: 122 ypg, 4th in Frontier
Scoring: 23 ppg, 6th in Frontier
Aaron Christensen enters his second season as the Head Football Coach of Montana State UniversityNorthern. He brings with him a decade of coaching experience at the NAIA level. From 2012 to 2014, Coach Christensen served as the Offensive Coordinator and Recruiting Coordinator for Missouri Valley College (MVC).
Ryan Handley #73, 6-3, 260 Offensive line
Caleb McLaren #14, 6-0, 190 Quarterback
Jay Hembree #68, 6-1, 260 Center
Jordan Vielma #42, 5-11, 215 Defensive line
Tyler Craig #91, 6-2, 245 Defensive end Forrest Rivers #47, 5-11, 205 Linebacker
Matt Crispo #95, 6-1, 300 Nose tackle
Pete Morales #77, 6-3, 295 Offensive line
Dylan Schmidt #74, 6-4, 275 Offensive line
Josh Price #59, 6-3, 295 Defensive line
Logan Sprouse #31, 5-11, 170 Safety
Troy Carr #28, 5-11, 205 Linebacker
Jordan Nero #30, 5-11, 170 Rover
Carlos Murena #52, 6-2, 240 Defensive line
Rushing: 182 ypg, 2nd in Frontier
Lane Urick #92, 6-1, 285 Defensive tackle
Mike Moroski C of I Head Coach
Andrew Galloway #64, 6-2, 290 Offensive line
Rick Bowman Jr. #57, 6-1, 285 Offensive line
Alec Wagner
Darius James-Peterson #4, 5-10, 175 Quarterback
Zach Garzoli #33, 5-7, 180 Running back
#52, 5-11, 210 Linebacker
Garrett Jericoff #1, 5-9, 165 Safety
Patrick Barnett #90, 6-2, 265 Defensive tackle
Trevor Smith #63. 6-0, 255 Offensive line
David N'Guessa #8, 6-0, 190 Linebacker
Jonothan Gregg #30, 6-2, 200 Bandit
Sam Zvirzdys #66, 6-4, 275 Offensive line
Moroski is in his fourth year as head coach at the College and has an 8-14 alltime record. Was named head coach in January of 2013 and led the Yotes through their "zero year" program, prior to the return to the field in September of 2014. Moroski came to the College after three decades at UC-Davis – both as a player and a coach.
Shayne Robinson
#12, 5-11, 190 Receiver
Macus Lenhardt #85, 6-5, 225 Tight end
Kagen Khameneh #15, 6-3, 225 Tight end Dillon Barnes #89, 6-0, 160 Punter
GaretFowler #12, 5-10, 205 Linebacker
Nik Lyons #4, 5-8, 180 Safety
Kitrell Willingham #85, 6-2, 205 Fullback
Total offense: 409 ypg, 4th in Frontier
Josh Brown #70, 6-7, 250 Offensive line
Nate Moore #21, 5-9, 170 Safety
Zach McKinley #24, 5-11, 210 Running Back
Griffey March #87, 5-10, 170 Receiver
Dujuwan Jones #23, 6-1, 190 Cornerback
Elijah Cox #51, 6-5, 320 Offensive line
Aaron Christensen MSU-N Head Coach
College of Idaho Offensive Starters
Tommy Langley #27, 5-11, 190 Kicker
Mike Cocke #17, 6-0, 200 Receiver
Corey Lee #3, 5-10, 175 Corner Malik Whitfield #29, 5-10, 180 Cornerback
Turner Simmons #83, 6-2, 190 Receiver
Kyle Mitchell
#45, 6-2, 175 Kicker
Ryan Texeria
#46, 5-10, 215 Punter
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MSU-Northern Numerical Roster
College of Idaho Numerical Roster # Name 1 1 2 3 4 5 5 6 7 8 10 11 12 14 15 15 16 18 19 20 21 22 23 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 31 32 33 33 34 36 38 39 40 41 42 43 44 46 47 48 50 51 52 53 54 56 58 59 60 62 64 66 69 82 83 84 84 85 88 91 93 94 96 97 98 89 90
Trae Bishop Marzett Davis Cory Brady Isaac Gonzalez Elijah Carter Teejay Gordon B.J. Newman Austin Diffey Levi Elsberry J.J. Hyde Tyler Cox Cole Maupin Shayne Robinson Charlie Shepherd T.J. Clarke A.J. Martin Colton Sweesy Hank Boeger Zach Cooper Dakota Stallions Nate Moore Wes Fitzpatrick John Hohnhorst Grant Darrington Bryan Dilworth Mike Johnson Troy Carr Malik Whitfield Jake Hennessey Dakota Horsewood Kyle Merritt David Juarez Jacques Carter Zach Garzoli Hunter Temple Kevin McLemore Chase Fiddler Joe Murphy Ringo Robinson Trevor Henderson Jordan Vielma Taylor Oppedyk Tony Torres Ryan Texeira Drake Rigby Mikey Cooper James Roy Travis Mayer Khallid Ransom Jason Byce Alec Montelongo Jarrett Williams Ben Ceccarelli Josh Price Sam Ball Hayden Paul Andrew Galloway Sam Zvirdys Dylan Garcia Hartvig Bondo Devin Krawowski Lance Jones Leroy Sisnett Marcus Lenhardt Andy Forse Kade Paulsen Trevor Smith Kyle Ashby Talon Sudbeck Zach Hall Carlos Murana Le'Ron Yarbough Gabe Giacci
Yr.
SO SR SO SO SO SR JR SO SR FR FR JR SO SO JR FR SR SO JR SO JR SO SO JR SO SR SO SO JR FR SR SO FR SO SO SR SO FR JR SO SO SO SR SR FR SO SO FR SR SO JR SO SO SR SO SO SO SO SO FR SO SO FR SO SR SO SO FR SR SO JR SR JR
Pos. Ht.
DB RB DB WR WR QB DB WR WR QB QB TE DB WR DB QB RB DB WR RB DB WR DB DB DB RB LB DB LB LB RB DB DB RB DB P LB RB FB DE DE DE DT FB DB LB OL DB LB LB OL OL LB DT OL OL OL OL OL K WR WR DE TE TE DL DT LB DT DL DE WR TE
5-11 5-6 5-11 5-11 5-8 5-11 5-10 5-10 5-11 6-3 6-2 6-4 5-11 5-8 5-8 5-11 5-10 6-2 6-2 5-6 5-9 6-2 5-10 5-9 6-1 5-9 5-11 5-9 6-0 6-0 5-10 6-2 5-10 5-7 5-5 6-2 5-11 5-8 5-11 6-3 5-9 6-0 6-0 5-9 5-8 6-0 6-2 5-10 6-2 5-10 6-3 6-0 5-10 6-3 6-3 6-0 6-2 6-4 5-11 6-0 6-0 6-2 6-4 6-4 6-5 6-2 5-11 6-1 6-5 6-0 6-0 5-7 6-2
Wt. 175 170 175 175 170 185 170 190 180 230 170 225 190 155 180 180 175 200 170 155 170 180 185 185 200 180 175 160 180 180 215 180 190 175 165 195 195 175 235 225 209 200 245 230 180 200 280 180 235 190 315 215 195 240 265 265 280 245 245 170 175 185 180 220 205 215 210 220 265 220 250 162 231
Hometown
Twin Falls, Idaho Sacramento, Calif. Boise, Idaho La Habra, Calif. La Habra, Calif. Manteca, Calif. Riverton, Utah Eagle, Idaho Homedale, Idaho Caldwell, ID Boise, Idaho Crane, Ore. Turnwater, Wash. Riggins, Idaho Boise, Idaho Idaho Falls, Idaho Twin Falls, Idaho Gooding, Idaho Meridian, Idaho New Plymouth, Idaho Boise, Idaho Valencia, Calif. Twin Falls, Idaho Boise, Idaho Boise, Idaho Los Angeles, Calif. Rathdrum, Calif. Mountain Home, Idaho Mountain Home, Idaho Caldwell, Idaho Irvine, Calif. Stockton, Calif. Clearfield, Utah Orland, Calif. Kuna, Idaho Simi Valley, Calif Fruitland, Idaho Boise, Idaho Caldwell, Idaho Caldwell, Idaho Idaho Falls, Idaho Buhl, Idaho American Falls, Idaho Livermore, Calif. Boise, Idaho Nampa, Idaho Honolulu, Hawaii Booney Lake, Wash. San Diego, Calif. Twin Falls, Idaho Saratoga, Calif. Catheys Valley, Calif. Mountain Home, Idaho Boise, Idaho Boise, Idaho Nampa, Idaho Payette, Idaho Turnwater, Wash. Boise, Idaho Trondheim, Norway Notus, Idaho Garden Valley, Idaho Auckland, New Zealand Eagle, Idaho Caldwell, Idaho Pocatello, Idaho Shelley, Idaho San Diego, Calif. Newport Beach, Calif. Emmett, Idaho Chula Vista, Calif# Del Pose Heights, Calif. Bend, Ore.
Name
Yr.
Pos. Ht.
Wt.
Hometown
92 93 94 95 96 97 98
SR SO SR FR SO FR SR
DL DL DL DL DL DL DL
277 286 236 226 235 228 246
Bremerton, Wash. Woodland, Wash. Meridian, Idaho Lewiston, Idaho Boise, Idaho Rathdrum, Idaho Shoreline, Wash.
Kyle Lanoe Zach Lacey Austin Brown Reece Baldwin Nick De Alba Tyler Utecht Aly Magus
6-0 6-1 6-2 5-9 6-2 6-3 6-5
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No.
Name
Pos. Ht.
Wt.
Yr. Hometown
No.
Name
Pos. Ht.
Wt.
Yr. Hometown
1
Garrett
Jericoff
DB
5'9
195
SR
54
Josh
DL
6'2
230
RFR Sammamish, WA
2
Jett
Robertston
RB
6'0
200
SO Glendale, AZ
55
Mitchell Harmon
DL
6'1
245
JR
3
Corey
Lee
DB
5'10
175
JR
56
Trenton
Woodward OL
6'5
240
RFR Three Forks, MT
5
Bowe
McKay
TE
6'3
225
SO Chehalis, WA
58
Adolfo
Robles
OL
6'2
270
SR
Bakersfield, CA
6
Sherman Arthur
DB
6'1
170
SO Watts, CA
59
Isaac
Joseph
DL
6'3
270
FR
Chandler, AZ
7
Jesse
LB
6'0
210
SR
8
"David" N'Guessa
LB
6'0
190
RFR Kent, WA
65
Dale
Cummings
OL
6'4
300
RFR Cremona, AB, CAN
9
Sam
WR
6'1
190
SO Sammamish, WA
68
Ryan
Handley
OL
6'3
230
RFR Clinton, MT
10
Donovan Garner
WR
5'8
175
JR
Miami, FL
68
Jay
Hembree
OL
6'1
260
FR
11
Jess
Krahn
QB
6'3
220
JR
Hokinson, WA
69
Brennan Lewis
OL
6'2
310
SO Fallon, NV
12
Garet
Fowler
LB
5'10
205
JR
Belgrade, MT
70
Robert
Johnson
OL
6'1
250
SO Stevensville, MT
13
Dylan
Rychtarik
WR
5'8
70
RFR Tacoma, WA
71
Linnwood Kirkland
DL
6'0
260
SR
Jacksonville, FL
14
Caleb
McLaren
QB
6'0
190
JR
Delta Junction, AK
72
Diamond Pedro
OL
6'3
310
SR
Tacoma, WA
15
Kagen
Khameneh
TE
6'3
225
JR
Missoula, MT
74
Dylan
Schmidt
OL
6'4
275
RFR Nine Mile Falls, MT
16
Holden
Maki
QB
5'9
170
SO Belt, MT
75
Clint
Willis
OL
6'6
280
SO Gardiner, MT
17
Mike
Cocke
WR
6'2
200
RFR Tacoma, WA
76
Casey
Cleveland
OL
6'1
265
RFR Great Falls, MT
19
Ethan
Snow
WR
6'1
200
FR
Hermiston, OR
77
Pete
Morales
OL
6'3
295
SR
20
Bryce
Bumgardner WR
6'1
175
FR
Saint Helens, OR
78
Jaxon
Simonson
OL
6'3
280
RFR Rudyard, MT
21
Jose
Martinez
DB
5'10
175
JR
Solidad, CA
80
Beau
Wilhelm
WR
6'0
200
JR
White Lake, MI
22
Mario
Gobbato
WR
5'8
185
SR
Blaine, WA
85
Kitrell
Willingham TE
6'2
205
FR
Parkland, WA
23
Dujuawn Jones
DB
6'1
190
JR
Monrovia, CA
87
Jordan
Pugh
TE
6'5
220
RFR Tacoma, WA
24
Zach
McKinley
RB
5'10
205
SR
Great Falls, MT
88
Seth
Roemmele
WR
6'0
190
SO Claresholm, AB,
25
Steven
Knight
DB
5'9
175
FR
Rancho Mirage, CA
89
Dillon
Barnes
P
6'0
160
SR
Alta Loma, CA
27
Tommy
Langley
K
5'11
190
JR
Tracy, CA
90
Patrick
Barnett
DL
6'2
265
SR
Billings, MT
29
Kaden
Barrus
DB
5'9
170
SO Gooding, ID
91
Tyler
Craig
DL
6'2
230
SR
Great Falls, MT
30
Jonathan Gragg
LB
6'2
210
RFR Missoula, MT
92
Lane
Urick
DL
6'1
285
SR
Great Falls, MT
31
Logan
DB
5'11
170
SR
95
Elijah
Dennison
DL
6'2
245
RFR Enumclaw, WA
32
Morgan McCrary
DB
5'10
190
RFR Las Vegas, NV
33
Brooks
Dunn
LB
5'10
190
JR
34
Garret
Severson
LB
5'11
170
SO Bonney Lake, WA
35
Dakota
Schelling
LB
6'0
185
JR
Fallon, NV
36
Colton
Boyle
QB
6'0
200
FR
Sammamish, WA
38
Dequincy Bergen
DB
5'10
180
FR
Houston, TX
38
Levi
Bixby
DB
5'9
175
RFR Ashland, MT
40
Sam
Schuler
LB
5'11
195
FR
41
Tovati "TJ" Gasetoto Jr. LB
6'0
215
RFR Tacoma, WA
42
Myltin
Bighorn
DB
6'1
180
RFR Poplar, MT
43
Bob
Schenk
TE
6'2
212
FR
44
Wyatt
McKinlay
FB
5'10
205
SO Geraldine, MT
45
Michael McKeen
LB
5'10
215
SO Oakley, CA
46
Jake
Norby
LB
6'2
190
FR
Chinook, MT
47
Jordan
Brusio
DL
6'1
230
SR
Billings, MT
49
Jaime
Toscano
K
5'8
210
SR
Baldwin Park, CA
50
Kyle
Martinez
LB
6'0
240
JR
Turlock, CA
51
Elijah
Cox
OL
6'5
320
SO Glendale, AZ
52
Alec
Wagner
LB
5'11
210
SO Laurel, MT
53
Austin
Rychner
DL
5'10
230
SR
Morales Mix
Sprouse
Hilmar, CA Moorpark, CA
La Habra, CA
Atascadero, CA Chandler, AZ
Enumclaw, WA
Missoula, MT
Ekalaka, MT
Wright
Rancho Cucamonga
Camarillo, CA
La Habra, CA
2016 Montana State University-Northern Football Staff Aaron Christensen, head coach and offensive coordinator; Jake Eldridge, defensive coordinator, strength & conditioning; Cody O'Neil, offensive line, recruiting coordinator; Jorge Magana, linebackers; Arthur Smith, linebackers; Malcolm Manuel, running backs; Anvil Sinsibaugh, wide receivers; Darold DeBolt, defensive line; Ric Wells, defensive backs. Athletic Director: Christian Oberquell; Certified Athletic Trainer: Nichole Borst; Sports Information: Kristie Pulin.
6
November 11, 2016
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Gobbato: Lights senior plays wherever he can to help the team
Gobbato: Super Mario leads by example, on and off the field
n From Page 2
n From Page 6 “I ran it down the one or two yard line and had a cramp and had to come out and he scored. He’s been a great running back and a great teammate and friend. He’s a guy that would have been All-Conference at a lot of other places.” Gobbato, who rushed for 335 yards as a sophomore and then 195 as a junior, never reached an AllConference level or even became the Lights’ starting back. Why? McKinley. McKinley, who redshirted before Gobbato got to Northern, is the school’s all-time leading rusher and he’s been one of the best runners in the NAIA for four years. He has a career yards-per-carry average of 5.1. He has gained over 5,200 yards from scrimmage and he has 38 total touchdowns. In short, McKinley is not only one of the best players in the Frontier, he’s one of the best in the country. Because of that, Gobbato never got his chance to take the bulk of the carries as Northern’s starter, at least at not running back. But that never stopped him from making contributions to the team in whatever way possible, which included playing wide receiver since late last season. “For me, it was always about the team,” Gobbato said. “We have great coaches and playing behind Zach taught me a lot. That made me a lot better player and when I got a chance to play some other positions and help the team, it was a no-brainer.” And this season, Gobbato has done well at receiver, catching 18 passes for 187 yards, both of which rank second on the team. He also has a touchdown reception. “It’s different,” Gobbato said. “There are things that I am not as naturally good at, as I am when I am at running back. So I have to think a little bit more. But the coaches and a lot of the other receivers have helped me and it’s been nice to help the team anyway I can.” For Gobbato, who simply may be one of the most underrated players in the Frontier Conference, transferring was never an option. And
Havre Daily News/Colin Thompson Montana State University-Northern senior wide receiver Mario Gobbato, who started his career at Northern as a running back, is a true example of what it means to put the team first. With starter Zach McKinley setting records, and Northern needing veteran help at the wide receiver position, Gobbato agreed to make the switch and learn a new position. And while Gobbato has played well this season, his bigger impact is the leadership he shows and the example he sets, on and off the field. Gobbato and fellow seniors will be honored Saturday.
even though he was stuck behind the greatest running back to ever play at Northern, the idea of leaving never crossed his mind. He always wanted to be a Light. “It was all about the team,” Gobbato said. “I love the coaches here, I love the guys here. It has been a great experience and I wouldn’t change that for anything.” While Gobbato’s days as a running back have been over for quite
some time now, his days as a Northern football player aren’t quite over yet. He may be playing wide receiver this Saturday, but he will be doing what he always does, trying to help the Lights win, in whatever way possible. And, no matter what position he's played in his tme at Northern, the Lights are better off for having Gobbato on their team, and while he might have gone through his four
Havre Daily News/File Photo Montana State University-Northern senior Mario Gobbato hauls in a pass during his junior season at Northern. Gobbato and 14 senior teammates will play their final game in a Northern uniform Saturday against College of Idaho. And while things have not been easy for the Lights during Gobbato's time at Northern, he says, as far as his individual career goes, he wouldn't change a single thing that's happened to him, and despite playing behind superstar running back Zach McKinley, Gobbato also said he never considered leaving Northern. Kickoff for Saturday's game is set for 1 p.m.
years as an underrated player, he was never undervalued, or underappreciated by his teammates, his coaches or by anyone in the MSU-N program. “It’s been a tough couple of years,” Gobbato said. “We have been struggling a bit, but it would mean a lot for us if we could go out on a high note and leave the program in a good position with some momentum going into next year.”
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November 11, 2016
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Gobbato: Lights senior plays wherever he can to help the team
Gobbato: Super Mario leads by example, on and off the field
n From Page 2
n From Page 6 “I ran it down the one or two yard line and had a cramp and had to come out and he scored. He’s been a great running back and a great teammate and friend. He’s a guy that would have been All-Conference at a lot of other places.” Gobbato, who rushed for 335 yards as a sophomore and then 195 as a junior, never reached an AllConference level or even became the Lights’ starting back. Why? McKinley. McKinley, who redshirted before Gobbato got to Northern, is the school’s all-time leading rusher and he’s been one of the best runners in the NAIA for four years. He has a career yards-per-carry average of 5.1. He has gained over 5,200 yards from scrimmage and he has 38 total touchdowns. In short, McKinley is not only one of the best players in the Frontier, he’s one of the best in the country. Because of that, Gobbato never got his chance to take the bulk of the carries as Northern’s starter, at least at not running back. But that never stopped him from making contributions to the team in whatever way possible, which included playing wide receiver since late last season. “For me, it was always about the team,” Gobbato said. “We have great coaches and playing behind Zach taught me a lot. That made me a lot better player and when I got a chance to play some other positions and help the team, it was a no-brainer.” And this season, Gobbato has done well at receiver, catching 18 passes for 187 yards, both of which rank second on the team. He also has a touchdown reception. “It’s different,” Gobbato said. “There are things that I am not as naturally good at, as I am when I am at running back. So I have to think a little bit more. But the coaches and a lot of the other receivers have helped me and it’s been nice to help the team anyway I can.” For Gobbato, who simply may be one of the most underrated players in the Frontier Conference, transferring was never an option. And
Havre Daily News/Colin Thompson Montana State University-Northern senior wide receiver Mario Gobbato, who started his career at Northern as a running back, is a true example of what it means to put the team first. With starter Zach McKinley setting records, and Northern needing veteran help at the wide receiver position, Gobbato agreed to make the switch and learn a new position. And while Gobbato has played well this season, his bigger impact is the leadership he shows and the example he sets, on and off the field. Gobbato and fellow seniors will be honored Saturday.
even though he was stuck behind the greatest running back to ever play at Northern, the idea of leaving never crossed his mind. He always wanted to be a Light. “It was all about the team,” Gobbato said. “I love the coaches here, I love the guys here. It has been a great experience and I wouldn’t change that for anything.” While Gobbato’s days as a running back have been over for quite
some time now, his days as a Northern football player aren’t quite over yet. He may be playing wide receiver this Saturday, but he will be doing what he always does, trying to help the Lights win, in whatever way possible. And, no matter what position he's played in his tme at Northern, the Lights are better off for having Gobbato on their team, and while he might have gone through his four
Havre Daily News/File Photo Montana State University-Northern senior Mario Gobbato hauls in a pass during his junior season at Northern. Gobbato and 14 senior teammates will play their final game in a Northern uniform Saturday against College of Idaho. And while things have not been easy for the Lights during Gobbato's time at Northern, he says, as far as his individual career goes, he wouldn't change a single thing that's happened to him, and despite playing behind superstar running back Zach McKinley, Gobbato also said he never considered leaving Northern. Kickoff for Saturday's game is set for 1 p.m.
years as an underrated player, he was never undervalued, or underappreciated by his teammates, his coaches or by anyone in the MSU-N program. “It’s been a tough couple of years,” Gobbato said. “We have been struggling a bit, but it would mean a lot for us if we could go out on a high note and leave the program in a good position with some momentum going into next year.”
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November 11, 2016
MSU-Northern Numerical Roster
College of Idaho Numerical Roster # Name 1 1 2 3 4 5 5 6 7 8 10 11 12 14 15 15 16 18 19 20 21 22 23 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 31 32 33 33 34 36 38 39 40 41 42 43 44 46 47 48 50 51 52 53 54 56 58 59 60 62 64 66 69 82 83 84 84 85 88 91 93 94 96 97 98 89 90
Trae Bishop Marzett Davis Cory Brady Isaac Gonzalez Elijah Carter Teejay Gordon B.J. Newman Austin Diffey Levi Elsberry J.J. Hyde Tyler Cox Cole Maupin Shayne Robinson Charlie Shepherd T.J. Clarke A.J. Martin Colton Sweesy Hank Boeger Zach Cooper Dakota Stallions Nate Moore Wes Fitzpatrick John Hohnhorst Grant Darrington Bryan Dilworth Mike Johnson Troy Carr Malik Whitfield Jake Hennessey Dakota Horsewood Kyle Merritt David Juarez Jacques Carter Zach Garzoli Hunter Temple Kevin McLemore Chase Fiddler Joe Murphy Ringo Robinson Trevor Henderson Jordan Vielma Taylor Oppedyk Tony Torres Ryan Texeira Drake Rigby Mikey Cooper James Roy Travis Mayer Khallid Ransom Jason Byce Alec Montelongo Jarrett Williams Ben Ceccarelli Josh Price Sam Ball Hayden Paul Andrew Galloway Sam Zvirdys Dylan Garcia Hartvig Bondo Devin Krawowski Lance Jones Leroy Sisnett Marcus Lenhardt Andy Forse Kade Paulsen Trevor Smith Kyle Ashby Talon Sudbeck Zach Hall Carlos Murana Le'Ron Yarbough Gabe Giacci
Yr.
SO SR SO SO SO SR JR SO SR FR FR JR SO SO JR FR SR SO JR SO JR SO SO JR SO SR SO SO JR FR SR SO FR SO SO SR SO FR JR SO SO SO SR SR FR SO SO FR SR SO JR SO SO SR SO SO SO SO SO FR SO SO FR SO SR SO SO FR SR SO JR SR JR
Pos. Ht.
DB RB DB WR WR QB DB WR WR QB QB TE DB WR DB QB RB DB WR RB DB WR DB DB DB RB LB DB LB LB RB DB DB RB DB P LB RB FB DE DE DE DT FB DB LB OL DB LB LB OL OL LB DT OL OL OL OL OL K WR WR DE TE TE DL DT LB DT DL DE WR TE
5-11 5-6 5-11 5-11 5-8 5-11 5-10 5-10 5-11 6-3 6-2 6-4 5-11 5-8 5-8 5-11 5-10 6-2 6-2 5-6 5-9 6-2 5-10 5-9 6-1 5-9 5-11 5-9 6-0 6-0 5-10 6-2 5-10 5-7 5-5 6-2 5-11 5-8 5-11 6-3 5-9 6-0 6-0 5-9 5-8 6-0 6-2 5-10 6-2 5-10 6-3 6-0 5-10 6-3 6-3 6-0 6-2 6-4 5-11 6-0 6-0 6-2 6-4 6-4 6-5 6-2 5-11 6-1 6-5 6-0 6-0 5-7 6-2
Wt. 175 170 175 175 170 185 170 190 180 230 170 225 190 155 180 180 175 200 170 155 170 180 185 185 200 180 175 160 180 180 215 180 190 175 165 195 195 175 235 225 209 200 245 230 180 200 280 180 235 190 315 215 195 240 265 265 280 245 245 170 175 185 180 220 205 215 210 220 265 220 250 162 231
Hometown
Twin Falls, Idaho Sacramento, Calif. Boise, Idaho La Habra, Calif. La Habra, Calif. Manteca, Calif. Riverton, Utah Eagle, Idaho Homedale, Idaho Caldwell, ID Boise, Idaho Crane, Ore. Turnwater, Wash. Riggins, Idaho Boise, Idaho Idaho Falls, Idaho Twin Falls, Idaho Gooding, Idaho Meridian, Idaho New Plymouth, Idaho Boise, Idaho Valencia, Calif. Twin Falls, Idaho Boise, Idaho Boise, Idaho Los Angeles, Calif. Rathdrum, Calif. Mountain Home, Idaho Mountain Home, Idaho Caldwell, Idaho Irvine, Calif. Stockton, Calif. Clearfield, Utah Orland, Calif. Kuna, Idaho Simi Valley, Calif Fruitland, Idaho Boise, Idaho Caldwell, Idaho Caldwell, Idaho Idaho Falls, Idaho Buhl, Idaho American Falls, Idaho Livermore, Calif. Boise, Idaho Nampa, Idaho Honolulu, Hawaii Booney Lake, Wash. San Diego, Calif. Twin Falls, Idaho Saratoga, Calif. Catheys Valley, Calif. Mountain Home, Idaho Boise, Idaho Boise, Idaho Nampa, Idaho Payette, Idaho Turnwater, Wash. Boise, Idaho Trondheim, Norway Notus, Idaho Garden Valley, Idaho Auckland, New Zealand Eagle, Idaho Caldwell, Idaho Pocatello, Idaho Shelley, Idaho San Diego, Calif. Newport Beach, Calif. Emmett, Idaho Chula Vista, Calif# Del Pose Heights, Calif. Bend, Ore.
Name
Yr.
Pos. Ht.
Wt.
Hometown
92 93 94 95 96 97 98
SR SO SR FR SO FR SR
DL DL DL DL DL DL DL
277 286 236 226 235 228 246
Bremerton, Wash. Woodland, Wash. Meridian, Idaho Lewiston, Idaho Boise, Idaho Rathdrum, Idaho Shoreline, Wash.
Kyle Lanoe Zach Lacey Austin Brown Reece Baldwin Nick De Alba Tyler Utecht Aly Magus
6-0 6-1 6-2 5-9 6-2 6-3 6-5
www.havredailynews.com
No.
Name
Pos. Ht.
Wt.
Yr. Hometown
No.
Name
Pos. Ht.
Wt.
Yr. Hometown
1
Garrett
Jericoff
DB
5'9
195
SR
54
Josh
DL
6'2
230
RFR Sammamish, WA
2
Jett
Robertston
RB
6'0
200
SO Glendale, AZ
55
Mitchell Harmon
DL
6'1
245
JR
3
Corey
Lee
DB
5'10
175
JR
56
Trenton
Woodward OL
6'5
240
RFR Three Forks, MT
5
Bowe
McKay
TE
6'3
225
SO Chehalis, WA
58
Adolfo
Robles
OL
6'2
270
SR
Bakersfield, CA
6
Sherman Arthur
DB
6'1
170
SO Watts, CA
59
Isaac
Joseph
DL
6'3
270
FR
Chandler, AZ
7
Jesse
LB
6'0
210
SR
8
"David" N'Guessa
LB
6'0
190
RFR Kent, WA
65
Dale
Cummings
OL
6'4
300
RFR Cremona, AB, CAN
9
Sam
WR
6'1
190
SO Sammamish, WA
68
Ryan
Handley
OL
6'3
230
RFR Clinton, MT
10
Donovan Garner
WR
5'8
175
JR
Miami, FL
68
Jay
Hembree
OL
6'1
260
FR
11
Jess
Krahn
QB
6'3
220
JR
Hokinson, WA
69
Brennan Lewis
OL
6'2
310
SO Fallon, NV
12
Garet
Fowler
LB
5'10
205
JR
Belgrade, MT
70
Robert
Johnson
OL
6'1
250
SO Stevensville, MT
13
Dylan
Rychtarik
WR
5'8
70
RFR Tacoma, WA
71
Linnwood Kirkland
DL
6'0
260
SR
Jacksonville, FL
14
Caleb
McLaren
QB
6'0
190
JR
Delta Junction, AK
72
Diamond Pedro
OL
6'3
310
SR
Tacoma, WA
15
Kagen
Khameneh
TE
6'3
225
JR
Missoula, MT
74
Dylan
Schmidt
OL
6'4
275
RFR Nine Mile Falls, MT
16
Holden
Maki
QB
5'9
170
SO Belt, MT
75
Clint
Willis
OL
6'6
280
SO Gardiner, MT
17
Mike
Cocke
WR
6'2
200
RFR Tacoma, WA
76
Casey
Cleveland
OL
6'1
265
RFR Great Falls, MT
19
Ethan
Snow
WR
6'1
200
FR
Hermiston, OR
77
Pete
Morales
OL
6'3
295
SR
20
Bryce
Bumgardner WR
6'1
175
FR
Saint Helens, OR
78
Jaxon
Simonson
OL
6'3
280
RFR Rudyard, MT
21
Jose
Martinez
DB
5'10
175
JR
Solidad, CA
80
Beau
Wilhelm
WR
6'0
200
JR
White Lake, MI
22
Mario
Gobbato
WR
5'8
185
SR
Blaine, WA
85
Kitrell
Willingham TE
6'2
205
FR
Parkland, WA
23
Dujuawn Jones
DB
6'1
190
JR
Monrovia, CA
87
Jordan
Pugh
TE
6'5
220
RFR Tacoma, WA
24
Zach
McKinley
RB
5'10
205
SR
Great Falls, MT
88
Seth
Roemmele
WR
6'0
190
SO Claresholm, AB,
25
Steven
Knight
DB
5'9
175
FR
Rancho Mirage, CA
89
Dillon
Barnes
P
6'0
160
SR
Alta Loma, CA
27
Tommy
Langley
K
5'11
190
JR
Tracy, CA
90
Patrick
Barnett
DL
6'2
265
SR
Billings, MT
29
Kaden
Barrus
DB
5'9
170
SO Gooding, ID
91
Tyler
Craig
DL
6'2
230
SR
Great Falls, MT
30
Jonathan Gragg
LB
6'2
210
RFR Missoula, MT
92
Lane
Urick
DL
6'1
285
SR
Great Falls, MT
31
Logan
DB
5'11
170
SR
95
Elijah
Dennison
DL
6'2
245
RFR Enumclaw, WA
32
Morgan McCrary
DB
5'10
190
RFR Las Vegas, NV
33
Brooks
Dunn
LB
5'10
190
JR
34
Garret
Severson
LB
5'11
170
SO Bonney Lake, WA
35
Dakota
Schelling
LB
6'0
185
JR
Fallon, NV
36
Colton
Boyle
QB
6'0
200
FR
Sammamish, WA
38
Dequincy Bergen
DB
5'10
180
FR
Houston, TX
38
Levi
Bixby
DB
5'9
175
RFR Ashland, MT
40
Sam
Schuler
LB
5'11
195
FR
41
Tovati "TJ" Gasetoto Jr. LB
6'0
215
RFR Tacoma, WA
42
Myltin
Bighorn
DB
6'1
180
RFR Poplar, MT
43
Bob
Schenk
TE
6'2
212
FR
44
Wyatt
McKinlay
FB
5'10
205
SO Geraldine, MT
45
Michael McKeen
LB
5'10
215
SO Oakley, CA
46
Jake
Norby
LB
6'2
190
FR
Chinook, MT
47
Jordan
Brusio
DL
6'1
230
SR
Billings, MT
49
Jaime
Toscano
K
5'8
210
SR
Baldwin Park, CA
50
Kyle
Martinez
LB
6'0
240
JR
Turlock, CA
51
Elijah
Cox
OL
6'5
320
SO Glendale, AZ
52
Alec
Wagner
LB
5'11
210
SO Laurel, MT
53
Austin
Rychner
DL
5'10
230
SR
Morales Mix
Sprouse
Hilmar, CA Moorpark, CA
La Habra, CA
Atascadero, CA Chandler, AZ
Enumclaw, WA
Missoula, MT
Ekalaka, MT
Wright
Rancho Cucamonga
Camarillo, CA
La Habra, CA
2016 Montana State University-Northern Football Staff Aaron Christensen, head coach and offensive coordinator; Jake Eldridge, defensive coordinator, strength & conditioning; Cody O'Neil, offensive line, recruiting coordinator; Jorge Magana, linebackers; Arthur Smith, linebackers; Malcolm Manuel, running backs; Anvil Sinsibaugh, wide receivers; Darold DeBolt, defensive line; Ric Wells, defensive backs. Athletic Director: Christian Oberquell; Certified Athletic Trainer: Nichole Borst; Sports Information: Kristie Pulin.
4
November 11, 2016
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MSU-Northern Offensive Starters
College of Idaho Defensive Starters
MSU-N 2016 Offensive Numbers
C of I 2016 Defensive Numbers
Scoring: 16 ppg, last in Frontier Total offense: 271 ypg, last in Frontier
Mario Gobbatto #22, 5-8, 185 Receiver
Tristen Alesi #32, 6-0, 185 Cornerback
Rushing: 104 ypg, last in Frontier
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November 11, 2016
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MSU-Northern Defensive Starters
C of I 2016 Offensive Numbers
MSU-N 2016 Defensive Numbers
Scoring: 29 ppg, 5th in Frontier
Scoring: 41 ppg, last in Frontier
Total defense: 428 ypg, last in Frontier
Total defense: 425 ypg, 7th in Frontier
Rush defense: 172 ypg, last in Frontier
Rush defense: 122 ypg, 4th in Frontier
Scoring: 23 ppg, 6th in Frontier
Aaron Christensen enters his second season as the Head Football Coach of Montana State UniversityNorthern. He brings with him a decade of coaching experience at the NAIA level. From 2012 to 2014, Coach Christensen served as the Offensive Coordinator and Recruiting Coordinator for Missouri Valley College (MVC).
Ryan Handley #73, 6-3, 260 Offensive line
Caleb McLaren #14, 6-0, 190 Quarterback
Jay Hembree #68, 6-1, 260 Center
Jordan Vielma #42, 5-11, 215 Defensive line
Tyler Craig #91, 6-2, 245 Defensive end Forrest Rivers #47, 5-11, 205 Linebacker
Matt Crispo #95, 6-1, 300 Nose tackle
Pete Morales #77, 6-3, 295 Offensive line
Dylan Schmidt #74, 6-4, 275 Offensive line
Josh Price #59, 6-3, 295 Defensive line
Logan Sprouse #31, 5-11, 170 Safety
Troy Carr #28, 5-11, 205 Linebacker
Jordan Nero #30, 5-11, 170 Rover
Carlos Murena #52, 6-2, 240 Defensive line
Rushing: 182 ypg, 2nd in Frontier
Lane Urick #92, 6-1, 285 Defensive tackle
Mike Moroski C of I Head Coach
Andrew Galloway #64, 6-2, 290 Offensive line
Rick Bowman Jr. #57, 6-1, 285 Offensive line
Alec Wagner
Darius James-Peterson #4, 5-10, 175 Quarterback
Zach Garzoli #33, 5-7, 180 Running back
#52, 5-11, 210 Linebacker
Garrett Jericoff #1, 5-9, 165 Safety
Patrick Barnett #90, 6-2, 265 Defensive tackle
Trevor Smith #63. 6-0, 255 Offensive line
David N'Guessa #8, 6-0, 190 Linebacker
Jonothan Gregg #30, 6-2, 200 Bandit
Sam Zvirzdys #66, 6-4, 275 Offensive line
Moroski is in his fourth year as head coach at the College and has an 8-14 alltime record. Was named head coach in January of 2013 and led the Yotes through their "zero year" program, prior to the return to the field in September of 2014. Moroski came to the College after three decades at UC-Davis – both as a player and a coach.
Shayne Robinson
#12, 5-11, 190 Receiver
Macus Lenhardt #85, 6-5, 225 Tight end
Kagen Khameneh #15, 6-3, 225 Tight end Dillon Barnes #89, 6-0, 160 Punter
GaretFowler #12, 5-10, 205 Linebacker
Nik Lyons #4, 5-8, 180 Safety
Kitrell Willingham #85, 6-2, 205 Fullback
Total offense: 409 ypg, 4th in Frontier
Josh Brown #70, 6-7, 250 Offensive line
Nate Moore #21, 5-9, 170 Safety
Zach McKinley #24, 5-11, 210 Running Back
Griffey March #87, 5-10, 170 Receiver
Dujuwan Jones #23, 6-1, 190 Cornerback
Elijah Cox #51, 6-5, 320 Offensive line
Aaron Christensen MSU-N Head Coach
College of Idaho Offensive Starters
Tommy Langley #27, 5-11, 190 Kicker
Mike Cocke #17, 6-0, 200 Receiver
Corey Lee #3, 5-10, 175 Corner Malik Whitfield #29, 5-10, 180 Cornerback
Turner Simmons #83, 6-2, 190 Receiver
Kyle Mitchell
#45, 6-2, 175 Kicker
Ryan Texeria
#46, 5-10, 215 Punter
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November 11, 2016
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MSU-Northern Rewind
A class defined by its character Northern seniors exemplify commitment, unselfishness and class, even in the face of so much adversity
From the Fringe...
George Ferguson Sports Editor
Senior day for any college football team is special. It’s a time to stand up in front of family, friends and teammates and be honored for hard work, dedication, unselfishness and all the accomplishments that come with being a football player. It’s a time to be honored for giving of one’s self for four, five and even six years. And all of that is true when it comes to the 15 Montana State UniversityNorthern seniors who will be honored before Saturday’s season finale against the College of Idaho at Blue Pony Stadium. And yet, this isn’t just any senior day, this one has so much more to it. These Lights, many of them, have endured perhaps the most trying times in Northern football history. These Lights, the one’s who will play their final collegiate game on Saturday, have went through more than they ever possibly thought they would when they signed a letter of intent to come to MSU-N out of high school, or for some, junior college. And much of what these Lights have gone through has been hard, difficult, frustrating and disappointing. Coaching changes, uncertainty, injuries, seeing teammates leave them, and of course, difficult losses that have piled up over the years. Yes, it’s safe to say, these Northern seniors have seen more tough days than good ones. And yet, here they all are. They’re still here. They are still, after all they’ve gone through, giving of themselves, sacrificing for the team, putting their bodies through hell and back, and still competing. Watching what these Northern seniors have gone through the last four seasons, I don’t think I could possibly have admired a group of football players, a group of young men more than I do this group. What they’ve stood for, what they continue to stand for, and what they’ve done for Northern football, it is been an honor and a privilege to watch them, to cover their games and to write stories about them. And every one of these seniors, to a man, stands for something that still makes college football so special, they stand for each other. They believe in, and are about the team, and most importantly, they all put the name on
Frontier Conference Standings
Montana Tech Eastern Oregon UM-Western Southern Oregon Carroll College Rocky Mountain College of Idaho MSU-Northern
Conf. WL 8-1 7-2 5-4 5-4 4-5 4-5 2-7 1-8
Overall WL 8-1 7-2 6-4 5-5 4-5 4-6 3-7 1-8
Saturday, Nov. 5 Southern Oregon 56, MSU-Northern 14 Montana Tech 42, College of Idaho 21 Eastern Oregon 19, Rocky Mountain 16 UM-Western 35, Carroll College 28 Saturday, Nov. 12 MSU-Northern vs College of Idaho Montana Tech at Southern Oregon UM-Western at Rocky Mountain Eastern Oregon at Carroll College
Havre Daily News/Colin Thompson Zach McKinley, left, and Caleb McLaren are two of the 15 Montana State University-Northern seniors who will be honored before Saturday's game against the College of Idaho. Kickoff is set for 12 p.m. at Blue Pony Stadium. the front of their jersey ahead of the name on the back of it. Honestly, that isn’t always the case in the world of collegiate athletics, but, listening to this group talk, it’s easy to see that they still embody that true team spirt. They embody the brotherhood that is college football. “That’s one of the best things about this whole experience,” senior defensive end Jordan Brusio said. “The bonds you form with your teammates. When you have those bonds, that support from your teammates, you feel like you can get through anything. “It’s a testament to all of our seniors that we’re here,” offensive lineman Pete Morales said. “We come to work hard every day and we play hard every game, and we do it together. We believe in each other. “That’s what I’m going to remember the most,” Tyler Craig added. “All the guys I’ve played with. All the seniors this year, we stuck this out together, and finished what we started together. Those guys are by best friends, and I’m proud we’re finishing our career together.” And Northern, Havre, your family, friends and anyone else associated with the Lights is proud of all of you too. Again, this Northern senior class embodies what it really means to be a college football. They embody playing
for something more important than themselves. And, they teach lessons too. They show younger generations what it means to honor a commitment to something. They show kids what it means to care about their teammates, and in football, they show players what it means to work hard, regardless of the payoff. College football is never easy. But, it’s been unusually hard on cruel on this group of MSU-N seniors. And that’s why, the fact that they will be standing at the center of the field inside Blue Pony Stadium on Saturday afternoon, for their final game, is something they should hold their heads high about. It’s something they should be proud of for the rest of their lives. I know, the fact that this senior group made it to senior day, that’s something I will always admire, and I’ll always remember what an honor and a privilege it was to be a small part of this group. So congratulations and thank you to Zach McKinley, Tyler Craig, Mario Gobbato, Jordan Brusio, Pete Morales, Garrett Jerricoff, Pat Barnett, Lane Urick, Dillon Barnes, Caleb McLaren, Diamond Pedro, Adolfo Robles, Austin Rychner, Logan Sprouse and Jamie Toscano. Saturday is your day. And you’ve all earned it.
NAIA Coaches Poll
Rec. Pts Prv.
1. Marian (Ind.) (15) 2. Baker (Kan.) 3. Reinhardt (Ga.) 4. Saint Francis (Ind.) 5. Morningside (Iowa) 6. Montana Tech 7. Doane (Neb.) 8. Lindsey Wilson (Ky.) 9. Eastern Oregon 10. Kansas Wesleyan 11. Grand View (Iowa) 12. Missouri Valley
9-0 10-0 10-0 9-1 8-1 8-1 8-1 10-1 7-2 9-1 8-2 8-2
340 327 306 299 293 277 255 251 237 219 203 198
13. Tabor (Kan.) 7-2 14. Southeastern (Fla.) 6-1 15. Sterling (Kan.) 7-2 15. Dickinson State (N.D.) 7-2 17. Georgetown (Ky.) 7-3 18. Dakota Wesleyan (S.D.)7-3 19. Robert Morris (Ill.) 6-3 20. William Penn (Iowa) 7-3 21. Concordia (Neb.) 6-3 22. Montana Western 6-4 23. Langston (Okla.) 6-2 24. Benedictine (Kan.) 6-4 25. Arizona Christian 6-3
1 2 3 4 5 7 8 10 11 12 6 9
191 172 150 150 132 118 95 91 71 62 44 37 25
13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 24 25 NR NR
Others receiving votes: : Warner (Fla.) 8; Bethel (Tenn.) 8; Wayland Baptist (Texas) 8; Southern Oregon 4; Midland (Neb.) 3.
Frontier Conference Individual Leaders Week Eleven
Passing: Jack Singler, EOU, 307 ypg Receiving: Connor Fohn, CC, 99 ypg Receptions: Matt Retzlaff, SOU, 9 cpg Rushing: Nolan Saraceni, MT, 138 ypg Tackles: Nate Moore, C of I, 104 Sacks: Luke Benz, MT, 8.5 sacks INT's: Gunnar Kayser, MT, 6 ints
Lights Coaching Staff
Jim Potter The 2015 Montana State University-Northern coaching staff. Back row, left to right: Cody O'Neil, offensive line; Ric Wells, defensive backs, Anvil Sinsibaugh, wide receivers and Darold DeBolt, defensive line. Front row, left to right, Jake Eldridge, defensive coordinator and strength and conditioning; Malcolm Manuel, running backs; Aaron Christensen, head coach and offensive coordinator; Arthur Smith, linebackers; and Jorge Magana, linebackers.
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Underrated, not underappreciated EOU one win from the playoffs
MSU-Northern senior Mario Gobbato has been a huge asset to Northern football the last four years Chris Peterson Havre Daily News sports writer gferguson@havredailynews.com
In college football, at any level, the last game of the season is always significant. And it has nothing to do with playoff berths or the final standings. It has to do with college football players, playing their final game, doing something they have done their whole lives — one final time. This Saturday, at Blue Pony Stadium, that will be the case for senior wide receiver/running back Mario Gobbato as the Lights get
George Ferguson Havre Daily News sports editor gferguson@havredailynews.com
set to take on the College of Idaho in the final game of the regular season. “It’s a bit surreal to think about,” Gobbato said. “I haven’t really thought about it that much because it’s a game that we want to win. It’s going to be the last one and we want to make sure that we go out on a high note.” Gobbato came to Northern as a running back and throughout his career with the Lights, he has proven to be a good one. As a freshman in 2013, Gobbato averaged 4.9 yards per carry as he gained 166 yards on 34 attempts. “I remember when he scored on his first carry,” Running Back Zach McKinley said.
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The Montana Tech Orediggers are officially Frontier Conference champions. But, Tech is far from done. Tech, after beating College of Idaho last Saturday, has a huge road showdown with Southern Oregon this Saturday, and a win would clinch the league championship outright. That’s something that will certainly motivate the ‘Diggers this weekend, even though, they’ve already laid claim to the Frontier’s automatic bid into the postseason. And the postseason is now what hangs in the balance for not only Tech, but also Eastern Oregon. Winners of five straight games, the Mounties have put themselves in a position to make the NAIA playoffs. They nearly lost that chance last Saturday, but hung on to beat Rocky Mountain College 19-16.
See Gobbato Page 6
Havre Daily News/Colin Thompson Montana State University-Northern senior Mario Gobbato runs over Rocky Mountain C o l l e g e t a c k l e r s d u r i n g a F ro n t i e r Conference game in August. Gobbato has been the consummate team player in his time at Northern.
MSU-Northern Lights vs College of Idaho Yotes Montana State University-Northern Location: Havre, Mont. Nickname: Lights Colors: Maroon and Yellow 2016 record: 1-8 (1-8)
2015 record: 0-11 (0-10) Head coach: Aaron Christensen Stadium: Blue Pony Stadium Streak: Lights have fallen six straight times since beating Carroll on Sept. 17 at Blue Pony Stadium.
Saturday, November 12, 2016 Blue Pony Stadium ~ 12 p.m. College of Idaho Location: Caldwell, Idaho
2015 record: 4-6 (4-7) Head coach: Mike Moroski Stadium: Simplot Stadium
Now, EOU can do something it hasn’t done since joining the Frontier Conference a little over a decade ago – make the playoffs. In 2013 and 2014 EOU was on the verge, but lost three games in each of those seasons to just miss the playoffs. The Mounties were the last team on the outside looking in 2014. But, with a road win at Carroll College, EOU can change all of that. Their national ranking is well inside the Top 15, they will have won six straight games and finished at 8-2 and alone in second place in the Frontier. In other words, a win at Carroll’s Nelson Stadium Saturday, and EOU is in. And not only can EOU make the playoffs with a win Saturday,
2016 record: 3-7 (2-7)
Streak: Since joining the Frontier Conference, the Yotes are a perfect 3-0 against the Lights.
Stats Winners The final weekend of the regular season has arrived, and for many, this week will also determine who finishes on top in individual Frontier statistics. For Montana State University-Northern running back Zach
Today in the Frontier Conference College of Idaho Yotes (2-7, 3-7)
At Montana State University-Northern Lights (1-8, 1-8) No. 7 Montana Tech (8-1, 8-1) at No. 9 Southern Oregon (3-1, 3-2) in Ashland, Ore.
Nickname: Yotes Colors: Purple and Gold
the Mounties still have a chance to be called conference champions. EOU will be cheering hard for its biggest rival, Southern Oregon, to beat Montana Tech Saturday in Ashland, Oregon. If the Raiders pull off the upset against the Orediggers, and EOU beats Carroll, the Mounties will be Frontier Co-Champions, which would be another first in program history.
No. 22 UM-Western (5-4, 6-4) at Rocky Mountain College (4-5, 4-6) in Billings, Mont.
No. 9 Eastern Oregon (7-2, 7-2) at Carroll College (4-5, 4-5) in Helena, Mont.
NAIA Playoffs announced Sunday at www.naia.org
2016 Frontier Conference Coaches Preseason Poll
1. Southern Oregon 2. Montana Tech 3. Carroll College 4. Eastern Oregon 5. College of Idaho 6. UM-Western 7. Rocky Mountain College 8.MSU-Northern McKinley, his senior day against College of Idaho will be his last chance to chase down Montana Tech’s Nolan Saraceni for the rushing title. A rough last game at SOU last Saturday left McKinley well behind Saraceni, who is averaging 132 yards per game now, and has his third straight 1,000-yard season. McKinley meanwhile, is averag-
Havre Daily News Week Final Frontier Power Rankings
1. Montana Tech 2. Eastern Oregon 3. UM-Western 4. Southern Oregon 5. Carroll College 6. College of Idaho 7. Rocky Mountain College 8. Carroll College ing 103 yards per game, and needs a huge game against the Yotes to get his fourth straight 1,000-yard season. McKinley currently has 836 yards this season, and, against a young Yotes’ defense, rushing for 160 yards isn’t out of the question. Other offensive leaders head-
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Notebook: Northern celebrates senior day against C of I n From Page 11
ing into the final day of the season include, EOU’s Zach Bartlow, who leads the league in total offense, while SOU’s Jack Singler leads the Frontier in passing at 297 yards per outing. Montana Tech QB Quinn McQueary leads the conference in touchdowns with 29 on the year, while SOU’s Matt Retzlaff has 65 catches, and Carroll WR Connor Fohn averages 99 yards receiving per game. Defensively, Montana Tech’s Luke Benz has 8.5 sacks, while Carroll’s Alec Basterrechea has 13 tackles for loss. Northern star senior Tyler Craig has four sacks and nine TFL’s as he prepares for his senior day game Saturday. Tech’s Gunnar Kayser is way in front with six interceptions this season, while Northern’s Logan Sprouse has three. C of I’s
Nate Moore has the most total tackles with 106, while EOU’s Stanley Tucker leads the way at 10.6 per game. Saying Goodbye Saturday at Blue Pony Stadium will be a special one for the Lights, who have 15 seniors listed on their roster. And interestingly, the majority of the Lights who will see their final action at Northern Saturday, have been around longer than College of Idaho has had football – at least in the modern era. The Yotes are in just their third season of Frontier football, after bringing back a program that dormant for nearly 40 years. And they’re making their second straight trip to
Havre. C of I beat the Lights 48-17 at Blue Pony Stadium last year, and also beat Northern in their inaugural meeting in Caldwell, Idaho in 2014. The Lights are scheduled to travel to Caldwell for the only meeting between the two teams in 2016. And while Saturday will be an emotional day for the Lights, who will be honoring a truly special senior class, a win against the Yotes is what MSU-N will be focused on. “Senior day is special,” McKinley said. “It’s kind of like the finish line. Everything you’ve worked for and done, you do it to get over the finish line. But, the big thing that would make it special is to get one last win. That’s how we want to end that day. And we’re going to do whatever we can to make sure that happens.”
Frontier Honors Montana Tech quarterback Quinn McQueary was named Frontier Offensive Player of the Week. Against C of I, McQueary threw for 294 yards and four touchdowns. He rushed for 83 yards on 11 carries. Western senior safety Skylar Roope was named Defensive Player of the Week. Roope recorded seven solo tackles, one tackle for loss (-3-yds) and one fumble recovery and return for touchdown in a win over Carroll College. SOU running back Rey Vega was named Special Teams Player of the Week. In a win over Northern, Vega returned a kickoff 93 yards for a TD.
Havre Daily News/Colin Thompson Montana State University-Northern defensive end Tyler Craig, right, will play his final game of a brilliant Lights' career when the Lights host College of Idaho Saturday afternoon at Blue Pony Stadium. Craig has had another productive season for the Lights, registering four sacks and nine tackles for loss.